Corner dairies could soon be a thing of the past if they don't find a way to adapt to competition from large supermarkets.
New figures from Euromonitor International show sales at convenience stores across the country plunged 18 percent between 2012 and 2017.
First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Kate Hawkesby the main problem is the what they are selling.
"It's not about the pricing, it's actually about the products they are selling. Many of those products are no longer relevant, the likes of tobacco, sugar [which] is becoming the big bad wolf now."
Wilkinson says they need to find a way to engage with their community.
"They've got to get back to the heart of their community. So that means opening their shops back up again. Getting rid of all the signage off the windows.
He says to stay relevant the dairies need to "create a welcome environment".
Chris Wilkinson says dairies could try selling things like smoothies or ice creams.
The cost of real estate is also hurting dairies and Wilkinson says it is pushing dairies out of big cities.Â
LISTEN ABOVE A CHRIS WILKINSON SPEAKS WITH KATE HAWKESBYÂ
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